Although you should be looking after your health all year round, most people feel more inspired to go on a health kick as the summer season approaches. It’s probably because the colder time of year makes people want to stay inside and enjoy comfort foods, and overindulging during the festive period can be quite common for most. It could also be because the lighter days can give you a bit of an energy boost, inspiring a little bit more motivation to get up and be active. If you’re ready to shed your winter clothes and feel like you could do with a bit of a healthy boost, here are a few points you should focus on.
Get into a Good Exercise Routine
As gyms have been closed for months on end, this has meant that a lot of people have fallen out of their usual exercise routines. While going out for runs and doing home workouts might have worked for some, others might not have had the opportunity or motivation to do so. If you want to give your body a boost, you will need to get back into a good routine when it comes to your workouts. If you weren’t much of a gym-bunny, to begin with, and you still aren’t keen on signing up to one, don’t worry. Just find an exercise you enjoy, whether that’s going for an evening walk or taking a dance class. The more fun you make exercise, the greater the chance you will keep it up.
Consume a Healthy Diet
Another issue you might have struggled with during lockdown restrictions is maintaining a healthy diet. As people haven’t been able to go out for meals or stick to normal routines, many of them have been taking comfort in junk foods and take-out. Doing this occasionally is perfectly fine, but if you have been overdoing it you might have noticed some weight gain, or that you’re feeling more sluggish in general. Try to focus on eating a more balanced diet to make yourself feel more energized and to give your body all the right nutrition that it needs. This means plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates and fats such as quinoa, sweet potato, avocados, and nuts. You should also make sure you’re eating enough protein as this will help to stay you fuller for longer. Red meat is a good source for this, but there is a lot of protein in salmon, which might be a healthier option.
Keep Hydrated
You need to keep yourself hydrated so your body can function normally. Drinking plenty of water will make it easier to flush out toxins, keep your skin looking great, help to keep you alert, and should help keep headaches at bay. It’s recommended that you aim to drink around two liters of water a day.
Sleep Well
Getting a good night’s sleep is another essential factor in good health. During this time your body can recover and recharge, but if you don’t get enough sleep, you might find yourself craving more sugary and fatty foods to give you an energy boost. If you do struggle to settle down at night, try having a hot shower or bath before bed, or perhaps some meditation to help calm your mind.
If you want to start feeling healthier this summer, use these simple tips to help you achieve your goals and feel your best.
